May – 2025
In May 2025, Fr. Michel Najim, President of the Antiochian House of Studies (AHOS), participated and spoke in a theological symposium in Thessaloniki Greece, convened under the auspices of the faculties of theology at Balamand, Athens, and Thessaloniki. The symposium’s theme. “Antioch and Early Christianity: From the Apostolic Kerygma to the Faith of Nicaea”
1. Official Participation in the International Symposium of Theological Schools – Thessaloniki, Greece
On May 6, 2025, the International Symposium of Theological Schools commenced at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This landmark event brought together prominent ecclesiastical and academic leaders from Balamand, Thessaloniki, and Athens to explore the evolving landscape of Orthodox theological education. The opening session featured a declaration of commencement by His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East, followed by a keynote address delivered by Archimandrite Jack Khalil, Dean of the Saint John of Damascus Theological Institute.
The symposium served as a vital platform for historical and theological dialogue, fostering academic exchange on topics central to Antioch’s history and mission in the contemporary world. Fr. Najim’s active participation reaffirmed Antioch’s Apostolical roots.
As part of the symposium’s academic sessions, Fr. Najim delivered a compelling lecture entitled:
From Peter and Paul to Nicaea
Highlights Antioch’s significance in shaping early Christianity
In his address, Fr. Najim affirmed that in the tradition of Antioch, we hear the united voice of the Apostles. We also hear the voice of the Evangelists, such as Luke, in its authentic expression. Antioch served as the homeland of two Christian monarchs — one from Edessa and one from Armenia — as well as of a Roman emperor who is considered by some to be the first Christian ruler of the empire, a forerunner of Constantine the Great.
Antioch emerged as a decisive missionary center, extending its influence over a wide geographical area that included Mesopotamia, the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and even as far as India.
Antioch was a place of remarkable creativity, both in the Greek and Aramaic patristic traditions, as well as in music, art, and architecture. It was a major center for early Christian literature, producing significant works in Greek and Syriac/Aramaic. It was home to many poets, writers, and theologians, contributing greatly to ecclesiastical poetry and theology. Early Greek and Syriac literature often employed symbolism and imagery, with themes such as the Church as Paradise and Christ as “the Heavenly Bridegroom.” Syriac literature, such as the Odes of Solomon, conveyed a deep love for God.
All the theological, liturgical, monastic, and martyrological elements made the Church of Antioch a leading center in the early Christian world, allowing it to play a central role in the First Ecumenical Council. About 80 bishops from the region of Antioch were present. Furthermore, according to Theodoret of Cyrrhus, Bishop Eustathius of Antioch even presided over the Council. Theodoret, in his Ecclesiastical History, also mentions that Eustathius held the place of honor to the right of Emperor Constantine and delivered the celebratory address to the emperor. The Council of Nicaea issued a historic confession of faith, declaring that the Father and the Son are homoousios (of the same essence), and also established Canon 6, confirming the traditional primacy of the bishop of Antioch over all other bishops of the civil Diocese of the East.
For those interested in viewing the full lecture, it is available at the following link: Link Here
More Details: Έναρξη Διεθνoύς Συμποσίου Θεολογικών Σχολών Μπαλαμάντ, Θεσσαλονίκης και Αθήνας – Ορθοδοξία News Agency
2. Visit to the Romanian Patriarchate – Bucharest, Romania
On May 19, 2025, Fr. Najim along with Khourieh Eva visited the Romanian Patriarchate in Bucharest, where he was warmly received by His Grace bishop and Dr. Qais Sadeq the Patriarchal Vicar of the Antiochian Patriarchate in Romania, and was welcomed Varlaam Ploieșteanul, Patriarchal Vicar Bishop and Secretary of the Holy Synod. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the development of the possibility of future collaboration between AHOS and Romanian Orthodox institutions.
The exchange highlighted shared values in Orthodox education and pastoral care, laying the groundwork for deeper cooperation in areas such as student exchanges, academic seminars, and spiritual retreats.
More Details: Oaspeți din Statele Unite ale Americii în vizită la Patriarhia Română
3. Visit to Iași – Romania
Continuing his journey, on May 20, 2025, Fr. Najim and his wife, Eva Najim, visited the “Dumitru Stăniloae” Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Iași. They were received by the Dean, Professor Paul-Cezar Hârlăoanu, along with other faculty members. Discussions centered around forging academic ties between AHOS and Romanian theological faculties, with a particular interest in strengthening inter-institutional dialogue and scholarly cooperation.
The visit also included a tour of key spiritual and historical sites in Iași, including the Metropolitan Complex, the “Three Holy Hierarchs” Monastery, and Hadâmbu Monastery, further emphasizing the spiritual dimension of the trip.
More Details: Oaspeți din Statele Unite ale Americii, în vizită la Iași | Doxologia
These visits by Fr. Najim underscored the Antiochian House of Studies’ commitment to building bridges between Orthodox institutions worldwide. Through these engagements, AHOS continues to expand its academic horizons, deepen ecclesiastical relationships, and affirm its mission to provide holistic theological education rooted in Orthodox tradition and unity.
